What is being done to solicit input from the communities in which these trials will be conducted?

CDC will continue to work closely with community partners at each research site to ensure active community participation during the planning and implementation of these trials.

Botswana: In Botswana, community advisory boards have been established at each site. The boards comprise representatives from local governments (elected and traditional), as well as community members and representatives from key stakeholder organizations. Participant advisory boards have also been established. These groups will provide input to researchers throughout the trial. Additionally, community liaisons at each site conduct outreach to community organizations and respond to any questions or concerns.

Thailand: In Thailand, a community relations committee, composed of injecting drug users from each of the 17 drug treatment clinics, family members, and representatives of local community organizations, meets regularly and provides advice to trial staff on all aspects of trial design, implementation, and trial conduct.

United States: In the United States, all three sites have established active community advisory boards that are consulted regularly about trial procedures and educational materials for potential participants. Members of these boards provide advice throughout the trials. Community educators at each site work to ensure that community organizations are updated on trial progress and to respond to questions or concerns.

In addition to the regular input received by these established committees, broader outreach and consultations with advocates and community-based organizations representing populations at risk for HIV are held, as needed, to address plans for HIV prevention research and programs.

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